Plans are progressing for the A96 Dualling Hardmuir to Fochabers scheme.

Following a series of engagement events last year, Transport Scotland will deliver ground investigations on the site to take forward the detailed development and assessment of the preferred option for the scheme.

Work will begin on Monday 27 January and is expected to run for two months. Although most of the work will be carried out away from the trunk road and adjacent side roads, a small amount of the work will require traffic management measures to allow for safe access on and adjacent to the carriageway.

Shedding more light on the upcoming works, a Transport Scotland spokesman said: "The Scottish Government is committed to dualling the A96 between Inverness and Aberdeen, underlining its commitment to connecting Scotland's cities with a high quality transport system that will generate sustainable economic growth.

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"Having announced the preferred option in December 2018 for the 28 mile section between Hardmuir and Fochabers, we let the public see key design developments and active travel proposals at engagement events last October.

"We are taking forward the development of the preferred option design and these ground investigations will provide important information needed to progress that work.

"When completed, the scheme will provide better transport connections in Moray and to the wider transport network, bring relief to communities currently affected by through traffic and save over 20 minutes for road users travelling between Hardmuir and Fochabers.

"We apologise for any inconvenience these ground works may cause and would thank road users and local communities in advance for their patience. The contractor will closely monitor the operation of the traffic management measures to ensure that any delays are kept to a minimum.

"We would ask drivers to plan their journeys in advance using the Traffic Scotland website, Twitter feed or radio."

(CM/JG)